Hopes ‘Prisoners’ Walk’ dig will reveal castle secrets

The excavation of Castle Cornet’s Prisoners’ Walk has already reached the 18th century.

Tanya Walls is part of the archaeological team who have started a dig at the Prisoners' Walk at Castle Cornet. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 32951157)

And more finds are expected as archaeologists go further back in time.

States archaeologist Phil de Jersey and his team started working on the passageway in one of the oldest parts of the castle last week and are hoping the dig will reveal secrets about life in the castle and how it was defended.

‘So far we have only have some 18th century clay pipework, and some German electric cables,’ he said.

‘In terms of depth we are only in the 18th and 19th century at the moment. Over the coming weeks we will reveal more interesting layers.’

Andy Lane is one of the team working on the dig of the Prisoners’ Walk. (32951151)

Dr de Jersey, who has completed digs all over the Bailiwick, said that digging in the Castle was throwing up some interesting challenges.

‘It is the first time I have dug in a tunnel,’ he said.

‘Logistically its very difficult, as it's narrow and dark and the space limits the amount of people you can have, and you have to walk over where people are working to get in or out.’

The first loads of spoil from the excavations had to be carried to the castle entrance by hand.

‘It's 100 metres to the entrance and walking there means going down 40 steps,’ he said.

‘It was about two-and-a-half tonnes of material. I haven’t worked that physically hard for 40 years.’

He added that it was a rare opportunity to be allowed to dig within the castle walls.

‘The path was in a poor state and needed repair and that’s why we have been given the chance to excavate here,’ he said.

The archaeological investigations will be going on until the museum reopens in March.

Back to his roots

Picture by Sophie Rabey. 07-02-24. Phil de Jersey and the archaeological team have started their dig of the Prisoner's Walk at Castle Cornet..Phil de Jersey (pictured foreground) with Peter Catarcoche, Tanya Walls and Andy Lane working behind.. (32951171)

The chance to work at Castle Cornet has allowed States archaeologist Dr Phil de Jersey the opportunity to return to the site of his first ever archaeological dig.

‘The castle is where I started my career in 1982 as a 16-year-old volunteer,’ he said. ‘It’s quite odd to be back 42 years later.

‘I distinctly remember at the time the dig director saying they would love to get the chance to dig up Prisoners’ Walk and here I am doing just that.’